What is Neurologic Music Therapy?

Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT®) is a treatment system of evidence-based standardized techniques driven by advances in neuroscience and the understanding of music perception, production and performance. Neurologic Music Therapists (NMTs) are trained stimulus specialists that use the properties of music to train and retrain brain behavior and function.

So, how do we do this? Through neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity refers to our brain’s ability to modify its connections and functions in response to environmental demands. Research has shown that music aids in neuroplasticity by rewiring brain networks because music engages the brain in a global and deeply encoded network. The core musical processing network in our brain is also shared with our primary memory, language, attention and motor networks. This means that several parts of our brain are activated when we engage with music! Another thing about neuroplasticity is that it is enhanced by activities that require multimodal activation. As we just learned, music is one of these activities.

To put it simply, NMTs manipulate the different elements of music (e.g., rhythm, melody, dynamics and tempo etc.) to reroute these pathways and promote neuroplasticity, resulting in optimized brain function in three domains: cognition, sensorimotor and speech and language. The Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy® is endorsed by the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation (WFNR), the European Federation of Neurorehabilitation Societies (EFNS) and the International Society for Clinical Neuromusicology (CNM).

Cognition

  • Arousal and Orientation

    Auditory Perception

    Attention

    Emotion Regulation

    Executive Function

    Memory

    Sensory Integration

    Spatial Awareness and Neglect

  • Listening and responding to musical cues, playing instruments and writing lyrics are just some of the ways music can be used to support cognition. By listening and responding to music we can practice discriminating different sounds and types of attention. By writing lyrics we can create a mnemonic to aid in memory or a song to express ourselves. In individuals with dementia, familiar music can be used to evoke memories of the past. In individuals with autism, instrument playing and music and movement can be used to support sensory integration and self-regulation. By engaging with music in different ways, NMTs can help improve cognitive functioning and support psychosocial development.

Sensorimotor

  • Atypical Gait (walking)

    Apraxia/Ataxia

    Balance and Coordination

    Endurance

    Fine and Gross Motor Skills

    Spasticity

    Strength

    Range of Motion

  • Moving to the beat and playing instruments are the two main ways music can be used to support sensorimotor needs. A Neurologic Music Therapist’s favourite tool is the metronome. This is because rhythm, or a consistent beat, acts as an external time keeper. Essentially, when our brain hears a beat it helps us optimize our movements, picking the fastest and most direct route. What’s interesting about rhythm, is that our bodies are biologically rhythmic and subconsciously entrain to the beat. For example, when you start walking to the beat of a song. This principle is called entrainment. By walking to the beat or playing instruments set up in a therapeutic configuration, NMTs can help restore movement patterns.

Speech and Language

  • Aphasia/Apraxia

    Dysarthria

    Expressive and Receptive Language

    Fluency (stuttering)

    Intelligibility

    Non-verbal Communication

    Oral, Motor and Respiratory Skills

    Voice Quality (volume, pitch)

  • Singing, speaking to rhythm and instrument playing are just some of the ways music can be used to support speech and language. Following neurologic illness or injury, it is often easier to sing than speak. By singing familiar songs and overlearned phrases, we can help restore language. As mentioned, a Neurologic Music Therapist’s favourite tool is the metronome. For someone with apraxia or dysarthria, singing and speaking to a beat can help with fluency and intelligibility. Lastly, playing a wind instrument, like the harmonica, can strengthen and support respiratory skills and aid in oral motor control. By singing and instrument playing, NMTs can help facilitate effective communication.

Are you a facility or an organization interested in developing a Neurologic Music Therapy program?

Please contact kaitlyn@rhythmicrehab.ca to schedule an in-service or inquire about our services.